USE OF CLOUD STORAGE TOOLS FOR EFFICIENT RECORDS MANAGEMENT AMONG SMES IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study examined the use of cloud storage tools for efficient records management among Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study addressed the steady reliance of many SMEs on manual record-keeping systems, despite the growing importance of digital tools for improving accessibility, security, cost efficiency, and business continuity, by formulating one major purpose with five specific purposes, five research questions, and five null hypotheses. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study was conducted in Anambra State, and the study population comprised 1,053 registered SMEs in the manufacturing, services, and construction sectors. A sample of 290 SMEs was drawn using a multistage sampling procedure, involving proportionate stratified sampling across the 21 Local Government Areas and simple random sampling in selecting the SMEs. Data were collected using a researcher-developed instrument, the Innovative Electronic Tools for Efficient Records Management Questionnaire (IETERMQ). The mean and standard deviation were used to address the research question, while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested the null hypothesis at the 0.05 significance level. The results indicated that cloud storage tools were used to a moderate extent for secure and accessible records management among SMEs in Anambra State, with a cluster mean of 3.02. Google Drive received the highest mean rating, while other cloud tools were used to a moderate extent. The findings further revealed that SME type did not significantly influence the use of cloud storage tools. The study concluded that, although cloud storage tools are moderately utilised, infrastructural, financial, and security-related barriers continue to limit broader adoption; therefore, the government should improve reliable internet access, and SMEs should be supported through affordable digital tools and cybersecurity training.